What is a main benefit of performing hands-only CPR?

Hands-only CPR is beneficial primarily because it can be performed without the need for mouth-to-mouth breathing. This simplification encourages more bystanders to take action in an emergency situation, as many individuals feel uncomfortable or unsure about performing rescue breaths. By focusing solely on chest compressions, the barrier to starting CPR is reduced, increasing the likelihood that a bystander will assist someone who is experiencing a cardiac arrest.

The effectiveness of hands-only CPR lies in the fact that high-quality chest compressions can maintain blood flow to vital organs, particularly the brain and heart, until professional help arrives. While it's recognized that traditional CPR, which includes rescue breaths, may have advantages in certain situations (like paediatric cases), hands-only CPR is deemed sufficient and often preferred in adult cardiac arrests, especially when bystanders are hesitant about the mouth-to-mouth component.

Therefore, hands-only CPR achieves both practical and psychological benefits, leading to increased instances of intervention in critical situations. This approach promotes immediate action and can improve survival outcomes for individuals suffering from cardiac arrests.